A tense situation was reported between villagers and Sri Lankan pastor, Jerome Fernando during the latter’s visit to Meepitiya in Nawalapitiya today.
The Nawalapitiya Police had intervened to diffuse the tension between the pastor and area residents.
The villagers had alleged that the pastor was building a religious site under the pretext of constructing a rehabilitation centre and that no state entities had been informed in this regard.
Pointing out that the village is made of people from all religions residing in harmony, the villagers alleged that people who create discord between religions will not be allowed to destroy the existing peace in the Nawalapitiya area.
Due to the protest by the villagers, pastor Jerome Fernando has been reportedly forced to leave the area.
Taking to ‘Facebook’, Pastor Jerome Fernando claimed that the incident was part and parcel of the calling of a Prophet.
“Travelled 130 km to inaugurate the prayer mountain this morning, only to be threatened by trespassing villagers, disallowed to pray on Church property, commanded to leave the property, thrown mud at and was sarcastically spoken to by a police officer that if they threw a president out of the country then they can do the same to me. This is part and parcel of the calling of a Prophet and this comes to me as no surprise. Sri Lanka needs Help!” he added.
Watch : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6p0UZu70bOU (Islandnews)